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Summary: In the current study, polyphenols were extracted from chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSS) by two eco‐friendly techniques, namely microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE). The bioaccessibility, phenolic composition and bioactivity of CSS extracts were explored upon in vitro gastrointestinal digestion considering a future nutraceutical use. The phenolic and flavonoid concentrations, bioaccessibility and antioxidant/antiradical properties of both extracts decreased during digestion. The bioaccessibility was 25% and 26%, respectively, for UAE and MAE extracts. The phenolic profile demonstrated that gallic acid, caftaric acid and catechin were the most bioaccessible compounds for both extraction techniques. The CSS extracts unveiled notable radicals scavenging efficiency, particularly against HOCl (18.32–75.44% inhibition) and ONOO− (16.78–86.11% inhibition), as well as hypoglycaemic (6.95–17.99% α‐amylase inhibition) and neuroprotective (16.44–54.66% AChE inhibition) properties upon digestion. Considering the undigested extracts, the UAE extract revealed better results than the MAE extract. Oppositely, among digested fractions the MAE digests disclosed the most promising outcomes. The remarkable contribution of phenolic compounds to the bioactivity of CSS extracts after in vitro digestion was proved by heatmap correlations, indicating that their pro‐healthy properties were modified after gastrointestinal digestion, being ascribed to the distinct phenolic composition. This study evaluates, for the first time, the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of phenolics‐rich CSS extracts prepared by UAE and MAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the XXI century, Leishmaniasis has been integrated into the World Health Organization's list of the 20 neglected tropical diseases, being considered a public health issue in more than 88 countries, especially in the tropics, subtropics, and the Mediterranean area. Statistically, this disease presents a world prevalence of 12 million cases worldwide, with this number being expected to increase shortly due to the 350 million people considered at risk and the 2–2.5 million new cases appearing every year. The lack of an appropriate and effective treatment against this disease has intensified the interest of many research groups to pursue the discovery and development of novel treatments in close collaboration with the WHO, which hopes to eradicate it shortly. This paper intends to highlight the quinoline scaffold's potential for developing novel antileishmanial agents and provide a set of structural guidelines to help the research groups in the medicinal chemistry field perform more direct drug discovery and development programs. Thus, this review paper presents a thorough compilation of the most recent advances in the development of new quinoline-based antileishmanial agents, with a particular focus on structure–activity relationship studies that should be considerably useful for the future of the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chestnut shells (CS), the principal by-product of the chestnut processing industry, contain high concentrations of flavonoids and other polyphenols with huge interest for the nutraceuticals field. Nonetheless, the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of phytochemicals can be influenced by their digestibility, making it imperative to evaluate these activities prior to application of CS as a nutraceutical ingredient. This work aims to appraise the effects of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility, bioactivity, and metabolic profiling of CS. An increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant/antiradical properties, radical scavenging capacity, and inhibition on acetylcholinesterase activity was evidenced during in vitro simulated digestion. Metabolomic profiling by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS revealed changes during the simulated digestion, particularly in phenolic compounds (46% of total compounds annotated), lipids (22%), phenylpropanoids (9%), organic acids (7%), carbohydrates (5%), nucleosides (5%), amino acids (4%), and alcohols (1%). Phenolic acids (gallic acid, syringic acid, and hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and flavonoids (epicatechin) were the major polyphenolic classes identified. The heatmap-positive correlations highlighted that the bioactivity of CS is closely related to the phenolic compounds and their bioaccessibility. These findings suggest the reuse of CS as a potential nutraceutical ingredient with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, encouraging the use of appropriate extraction and/or encapsulation techniques to enhance the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the concept of de-assimilation among Jews in Poland, specifically focusing on the revival of Polish Jewish life after 1989. The author acknowledges the uniqueness of Polish Jews being able to rediscover their Judaism without abandoning their Polish identity. However, the author questions the novelty of this phenomenon, arguing that the line between "dissimilation" and "de-assimilation" is blurred and that Jewish life in Europe has always been shaped by push and pull factors. The author suggests that similar renewals of Jewish consciousness have occurred in other European Jewish communities. Overall, the article highlights the fluidity and complexity of Jewish identity throughout history. [Extracted from the article]

After the fire at the National Museum of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the reconstruction of the collections became an imperative challenge for all Sections, especially the one that concerns the Section of Memory and Archive of the National Museum (SEMEAR). The purpose of this article is to examine the process of construction of the proposal of the Colheita system in the light of Social Memory, more specifically, to identify how the emotions narrated by a participant are imbricated in the conception of the proposal. The corpus of this article is composed of narratives told by the technician responsible for the system, which are part of a research interview, analyzed according to Interactional Sociolinguistics perspective whose categories contextualization clues and footing anchor the aforementioned theoretical-methodological contribution. The analytical work shows, on the one hand, how emotions are circumscribed in memory; on the other hand, how they guide the narrative flow of evoked memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as an active ingredient against chronic diseases. The properties of EVOO are due to its peculiar composition, mainly to its rich content of polyphenols. In fact, polyphenols may contribute to counteract oxidative stress, which often accompanies chronic diseases. In this work, the antioxidant effects of high-value polyphenol oleocanthal (OC) and its main metabolites, tyrosol (Tyr) and oleocanthalic acid (OA), respectively, have been investigated along with their impact on cell viability. (2) Methods: OC, Tyr, and OA have been evaluated regarding antiradical properties in term of scavenging capacity towards biologically relevant reactive species, including O2●−, HOCl, and ROO●, as well as their antioxidant/antiradical capacity (FRAP, DPPH●, ABTS●+). Moreover, the ability to permeate the intestinal membrane was assessed by an intestinal co-culture model composed by Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cell lines. (3) Results: The capacity of OC and Tyr as radical oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, particularly regarding HOCl and O2●−, was clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, the ability to permeate the intestinal co-culture model was plainly proved by the good permeations (>50%) achieved by all compounds. (4) Conclusions: OC, OA, and Tyr revealed promising properties against oxidative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focused on developing an active bilayer film based on natural extract. Thus, the jaboticaba peel extract (JPE) was produced and characterized and showed promising application as a natural additive in biopolymeric materials. The zein fiber and bilayer films were produced using a chitosan film (casting) and zein fiber (electrospinning), with and without JPE. All samples were evaluated according to thickness, solubility in water, water vapor permeability, and main diameter, and for these, zein fiber, chitosan/zein fiber, and chitosan/zein fiber + 3% JPE showed values of 0.19, 0.51, and 0.50 mm, 36.50, 12.96, and 27.38%, 4.48 × 10−9, 1.6 × 10−10, and 1.58 × 10−10 (g m−1 Pa−1 s−1), and 6.094, 4.685, and 3.620 μm, respectively. These results showed that the addition of a second layer improved the barrier properties of the material when compared to the monolayer zein fiber. The thermal stability analysis proved that the addition of JPE also improved this parameter and the interactions between the components of the zein fiber and bilayer films; additionally, the effective presence of JPE was shown through FTIR spectra. In the end, the active potential of the material was confirmed by antimicrobial analysis since the bilayer film with JPE showed inhibition halos against E. coli and S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements such as neodymium (Nd) are important elements used mainly in developing new technologies. Although they are found in low concentrations in nature, they can be obtained by extracting solid samples such as phosphogypsum. Among the techniques, adsorption has been used successfully with several adsorbent materials. In this work, two strains of Spirulina platensis (LEB-18 and LEB-52) were employed as biosorbents for efficiently removing the Nd element from the aqueous media. Biosorption tests were carried out in a batch system, and the results of the biosorption kinetics showed that for both materials, the biosorption of Nd was better described by the Avrami model. Moreover, it could be considered that 80 min would be necessary to attain the equilibrium of Nd(III) using both biosorbents. The result of the biosorption isotherms showed that for both strains, the best-fitted model was the Liu model, having a maximum biosorption capacity of 72.5 mg g−1 for LEB-18 and 48.2 mg g−1 for LEB-52 at a temperature of 298 K. Thermodynamics of adsorption showed that for both LEB-18 and LEB-52 the process was favorable (∆G° < 0) and exothermic (∆H° −23.2 for LEB-18 and ∆H° −19.9 for LEB-52). Finally, both strains were suitable to uptake Nd, and the better result of LEB-18 could be attributed to the high amount of P and S groups in this biomass. Based on the results, a mechanism of electrostatic attraction of Nd3+ and phosphate and sulfate groups of both strains of Spirulina platensis was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production and consumption of cassava (Manihot esculenta) occur in several places worldwide, producing large volumes of waste, mostly in the form of bark. This study sought to bring a new purpose to this biomass through producing activated carbon to use as an adsorbent to remove the herbicide Diuron from water. It was observed that the carbon contains the functional groups of methyl, carbonyl, and hydroxyl in a strongly amorphous structure. The activated carbon had a surface area of 613.7 m2 g−1, a pore volume of 0.337 cm3 g−1, and a pore diameter of 1.18 nm. The Freundlich model was found to best describe the experimental data. It was observed that an increase in temperature favored adsorption, reaching a maximum experimental capacity of 222 mg g−1 at 328 K. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption was spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic. The enthalpy of adsorption magnitude was consistent with physical adsorption. Equilibrium was attained within 120 min. The linear driving force (LDF) model provided a strong statistical match to the kinetic curves. Diffusivity (Ds) and the model coefficient (KLDF) both increased with a rise in herbicide concentration. The adsorbent removed up to 68% of pollutants in a simulated effluent containing different herbicides. Activated carbon with zinc chloride (ZnCl2), produced from leftover cassava husks, was shown to be a viable alternative as an adsorbent for the treatment of effluents containing not only the herbicide Diuron but also a mixture of other herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental stress triggered by climate change can alter the plant's metabolite profile, which affects its physiology and performance. This is particularly important in medicinal species because their economic value depends on the richness of their phytocompounds. We aimed to characterize how water deficit modulated the medicinal species Melia azedarach's lipophilic profile and antioxidant status. Young plants were exposed to water deficit for 20 days, and lipophilic metabolite profile and the antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Leaves of M. azedarach are rich in important fatty acids and oleamide. Water deficit increased the radical scavenging capacity, total phenol, flavonoids, and catechol pools, and the accumulation of β-sitosterol, myo-inositol, succinic acid, sucrose, d-glucose and derivatives, d-psicofuranose, d-(+)-fructofuranose, and the fatty acids stearic, α-linolenic, linoleic and palmitic acids. These responses are relevant to protecting the plant against climate change-related stress and also increase the nutritional and antioxidant quality of M. azedarach leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZSM-5 zeolite synthesized using chitin as a molding agent has the potential to recover rare earth elements; • Increasing the temperature decreased the adsorption amount of rare earth elements; • The Ce, La, and Nd removal process forms a monolayer in zeolite; • Si-functional groups predominate in the rare earth element removal; • Electrostatic interactions and the formation of complexes were involved in Ce, La, and Nd adsorption onto zeolite. The recovery of rare earth elements (REE) is essential to meet the growing demand for these resources and promote the reuse of available resources. This study investigated the potential of ZSM-5 zeolite in the recovery of trivalent ions of cerium, lanthanum and neodymium under conditions of pH 6 and temperatures between 298 and 328 K. REE equilibrium isotherms were analyzed using five statistical physics models. The results indicate that removing all REE occurs predominantly in monolayers, as these models showed better prediction performance (coefficient of determination > 0.97 and mean squared error < 18.0). The best model determined that lanthanum and neodymium have one adsorption energy, while cerium has two adsorption energies involved in the process. The predominant functional groups are those containing silicon. Increasing temperature causes an increase in the number of REE ions captured per functional group, which reduces the adsorption space available on the surface. The model parameters indicate that the adsorption of these ions implies a multi-ionic mechanism (number of ions adsorbed per site greater than 1) and is an exothermic process. Based on the calculated adsorption capacities at saturation, the order of preference in adsorption can be established: neodymium > cerium > lanthanum. The adsorption energies indicate that the process occurred mainly due to physical forces since all energy values are below 40 kJ mol−1. The study's results led to the proposal of a mechanism for the adsorption of REE on ZSM-5 zeolite, which highlights the predominance of electrostatic interactions and complex formation, which result in the formation of a monolayer on the adsorbent's surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chestnut shells extract valorized as a promising nutraceutical ingredient. • Total phenolics improved during in-vitro digestion. • Hydroxybenzoic, phenylpropanoic, and phenylacetic acids identified upon digestion. • Proven bioactivity on α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and antioxidant enzymes. • Multivariate analysis predicted the role of phenolics in extract bioactivity. Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CS) are an undervalued antioxidant-rich by-product. This study explores the impact of in-vitro digestion on the bioaccessibility, bioactivity, and metabolic profile of CS extract prepared by Supercritical Fluid Extraction, aiming its valorization for nutraceutical applications. The results demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) lower phenolic concentrations retained after digestion (38.57 µg gallic acid equivalents/mg dry weight (DW)), reaching 30% of bioaccessibility. The CS extract showed antioxidant/antiradical, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective properties after in-vitro digestion, along with upmodulating effects on antioxidant enzymes activities and protection against lipid peroxidation. The metabolic profile screened by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS proved the biotransformation of complex phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins present in the undigested extract (45.78 µg/mg DW of total phenolic concentration) into hydroxybenzoic, phenylpropanoic, and phenylacetic acids upon digestion (35.54 µg/mg DW). These findings sustain the valorization of CS extract as a promising nutraceutical ingredient, delivering polyphenols with proven bioactivity even after in-vitro digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a research interview that discusses a health care service that took place in a supplementary healthcare unit, this study investigates how the interviewee's narratives suggest the transformation of his experiences in means of resistance to certain types of oppression that routinely constitute clinical and management practices in this context. Grounded on an interactional sociolinguistic approach to discourse analysis, we aim at answering the following questions: how does the interviewee structure his narratives regarding both its organization and enunciation of experiences' and which expansions of this experience are discursively constructed as modes of resistance' It is assumed that discourse analysis of personal experiences' narratives can contribute to discussions about the health system's vulnerability both in the public and private spheres, in searching for balanced, efficient, humanized and quality services in view of institutional and market forces they subscribe to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Non-adherence to medication severely affects chronic disease control. Aim: To assess whether a multi-component intervention implemented at the public primary care level in Argentina improves adherence to antihypertensive medication and helps to reduce blood pressure (BP) levels in uncontrolled hypertensive patients. Methods: A before-and-after study was conducted in five public primary care clinics located in the city of Almirante Brown, Argentina. One hundred and twenty-five uncontrolled hypertensive patients received a multi-component intervention based on the Chronic Care model and the 5As strategy (Ask, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange). Medication possession ratio (MPR) and BP values were assessed before and after a 6-month period. Results: The follow-up rate was 96.8%. Main baseline characteristics were as follows, male: 44.8%, mean age: 57.1 years (± 8.1), exclusive public healthcare coverage: 83.5%, primary school level or less: 68.8%, and mean systolic/diastolic BP: 157.4 (± 13.6)/97.7 (± 8.2) mmHg. After implementing the intervention, a significant increase in the proportion of adequate adherence (MPR ≥ 80%) was observed, from 16.8% at baseline to 47.2% (p < 0.001). A significant reduction of 16.4 mmHg (CI 95%: 19.6, 13.1) was observed for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 12.0 mmHg (CI 95%: 14.2, 9.9) for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.001). At 6 months, 51.2% of the population achieved blood pressure control (SBP < 140 mmHg and DBP < 90 mmHg). Conclusions: The study intervention was associated with an increased adherence rate, achieving a significant reduction in BP values and reaching BP control in more than half of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chestnut shells extracted by SFE valorized as a potential nutraceutical ingredient. • Neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects proved. • Untargeted metabolic profile revealed 60 % lipids and 30 % phenolics in permeates. • Ellagic acid and caffeic acid metabolites quantified after intestinal permeation. • Enrichment analysis identified 29 metabolic pathways. The health benefits of chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSs) have been ascribed to phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds. Nevertheless, an exhaustive assessment of their intestinal absorption is vital considering a possible nutraceutical application. This study evaluated the bioactivity of CSs extract prepared by Supercritical Fluid Extraction and untargeted metabolomic profile upon in-vitro intestinal permeation across a Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-culture model. The results demonstrated the neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties of CSs extract by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and lipase activities. The untargeted metabolic profiling by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS unveiled almost 60 % of lipids and 30 % of phenolic compounds, with 29 metabolic pathways indicated by enrichment analysis. Among phenolics, mostly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins permeated the intestinal barrier with most metabolites arising from phase I reactions (reduction, hydrolysis, and hydrogenation) and a minor fraction from phase II reactions (methylation). The permeation rates enhanced in the following order: ellagic acid < o -coumaric acid < p -coumaric acid < ferulaldehyde ≤ hydroxyferulic acid ≤ dihydroferulic acid < ferulic acid < trans -caffeic acid < trans -cinnamic acid < dihydrocaffeic acid, with better outcomes for 1000 µg/mL of extract concentration and after 4 h of permeation. Taken together, these findings sustained a considerable in-vitro intestinal absorption of phenolic compounds from CSs extract, enabling them to reach target sites and exert their biological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A. arguta and A. deliciosa dehydrated fruits infusions and decoctions comparison. • Decoctions generally exhibited higher antioxidant values over infusions. • A. arguta showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds. • Similar scavenging activity was observed between species. • Polyphenols can served as discriminating markers for infusions and decoctions. Abstract Actinidia deliciosa and A. arguta fruits (kiwifruit and kiwiberry, respectively) are an excellent source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this paper is to valorize the fruits that are not commercialized (e.g. due to inadequate size or physical damage) in infusions and decoctions. The antioxidant activity, the scavenging activity against reactive species, the phenolic profile and the intestinal effects of infusions and decoctions of dehydrated fruits were evaluated and compared. Decoctions presented the highest antioxidant activity and a good ability to capture HOCl and NO. The phenolic composition of A. arguta present quinic acid, cis -caftaric acid and its derivatives, caffeoyl hexoside, luteolin glucuronide, quercetin derivatives and myristin, while A. deliciosa extracts were characterized by the presence of quinic acid, caffeic acid and its derivatives and caffeoyl hexoside. No adverse effects were observed on Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells. Kiwiberry decoctions showed to be the best option to keep the fruits benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The US leaching allowed a leaching efficiency of 84% at mild operation conditions;. • US leaching efficiency was 20% higher than that obtained with mechanical stirring;. • US leaching was faster than the conventional process;. • A significant decrease in particle size occurred after the US leaching. Phosphogypsum (PG) has stood out as an alternative source of rare earth elements (REE) since it has a promising content and is generated in high amounts. Although the literature has already demonstrated the possibility of using leaching to recover REE from PG, the leaching efficiencies are generally relatively low, or drastic conditions are required. Ultrasound-assisted leaching is a promising alternative to overcome these problems and has not been sufficiently explored. This work investigated the REE leaching from PG using an ultrasound probe system and optimized it through a central composite rotational design. The temperature of the system was maintained at around 40 °C. A leaching efficiency of 84% was obtained at the optimized conditions of 0.6 mol L–1 H 2 SO 4 , ultrasonic amplitude of 77%, and pulse of 93.6%. The same leaching efficiency was not observed using conventional leaching with mechanical stirring (silent condition), around 68%. In addition, the kinetic study showed a considerable reduction in the leaching time with the assistance of ultrasound, reaching the equilibrium in about 20 min. The improvement in the REE leaching was attributed to the acoustic cavitation effects, which mainly led to a considerable reduction in the PG particle size, as demonstrated by SEM images. Overall, ultrasound proved to be a suitable alternative, allowing high REE recovery from PG with a diluted acid solution, low leaching time, and relatively low temperature, thus representing savings in reagents and energy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chestnut shells extract as source of anti-aging molecules for nutraceuticals. • Metabolic profiling by LC-ESI-TQ-Orbitrap-MS done in rat tissues and blood serum. • Correlation of phenolic metabolites with oxidative stress biomarkers was screened. • 50 phenolic compounds and metabolites were identified in rat liver and kidney. • Phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, flavanols, and lignans were detected. The present study attempted for the first time to explore the effects of the daily oral intake of a phenolics-rich extract from chestnut shells (CS) on the metabolomic profiling of rat tissues by liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) targeted to polyphenolics and their metabolites and screen potential oxidative stress biomarkers, validating its use as a promising nutraceutical ingredient with outstanding antioxidant properties for the prevention and co-therapy of lifestyle-related diseases triggered by oxidative stress. The results demonstrated new insights into the metabolomic fingerprinting of polyphenols from CS, confirming their absorption and biotransformation by phase I (hydrogenation) and II (glucuronidation, methylation, and sulfation) enzymes. Phenolic acids were the main polyphenolic class, followed by hydrolyzable tannins, flavanols, and lignans. In contrast to the liver, sulfated conjugates were the principal metabolites reaching the kidneys. The multivariate data analysis predicted an exceptional contribution of polyphenols and their microbial and phase II metabolites to the in-vivo antioxidant response of the CS extract in rats, recommending its use as an appealing source of anti-aging molecules for nutraceuticals. This is the first study that explored the relation between metabolomic profiling of rat tissues and in-vivo antioxidant effects after oral treatment with a phenolics-rich CS extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this investigation, the coal fires in different Colombian coal mines were studied using advanced electron beam and X-ray diffraction techniques. The results were compared with information from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) equipped with a dispersive X-ray detector (EDS). Amorphous phases, salammoniac, anatase, muscovite, goethite, jarosite, calcite, gypsum, kaolinite, illite, and quartz are the dominant mineral matter constituents in almost all of the coal fires, with minute quantities of native sulfur, magnetite, siderite, pyrite, pickeringite, epsomite, hexahydrite, halotrichite being present in around half of the investigated coal fire samples. Other minerals that are present in some particular samples are chlorite, ankerite, and dolomite. Fe-sulfides were also detected particularly in the pyrite-bearing coal fires, possibly indicating oxidation of the Fe-sulfides occurring with coal fires. Exhaust discharge data indicate an overall trend of reducing carbon dioxide (CO 2) and carbon monoxide (CO) releases (between 1.5 and 34%) from the coal fires. This is the first report on Colombian coal fires, which would be important for different perspectives of the research in the area. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Coal fires showed various degrees of contamination by anthropogenic activities. • Nanoparticles in Colombian coal areas were critical compared with the probable effect level. • Human activities played a dominant role, to coal pollution. • Community health surveys from mining and non-mining communities were aggregated for analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports for the first time the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as the in vitro radical scavenging activity and intestinal cell effects of A. arguta leaves extracts. Extractions were carried out under water, water:ethanol (50:50) and ethanol. The highest antioxidant activity were obtained in alcoholic extract (IC 50  = 53.95 ± 3.09 μg/mL for DPPH; 6628.42 ± 382.49 µmol/mg dry weight basis for FRAP) while the phenolic profile confirmed by HPLC analysis revealed highest amounts of phenolic acids (hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives) and flavonoids (flavan-3-ol and flavonols derivatives). An excellent scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were determined for all extracts as well as no adverse effects on Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells in concentrations below 100 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL, respectively. These results highlight the potentialities of hardy kiwi leaves valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Green nanosponges adsorbent from a local and economic source of β-cyclodextrin. • It was applied for the first time to recover La and Ce ions from aqueous. • Adsorption capacities of 625.34 and 773.29 mg g−1 for Ce and La, respectively. • DFT calculations showed that adsorption was on the oxygenated functionalities. • These nanosponges could be regenerated and reused up to three times. During the past decades, the removal and recovery of Lanthanum (La) and cerium (Ce) have attracted considerable interest owing to their importance in several industrial processes. In the present work, green nanosponge adsorbents have been synthesized from a local and economic source of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and applied for the first time to La and Ce ion recovery from aqueous solutions. A statistical physics model has been used to analyze adsorption data. This material has shown high adsorption capacities of 625.34 and 773.29 mg g−1 for Ce and La, respectively. Furthermore, a temperature of 298 K has been identified as the best condition to remove these elements from aqueous solutions. Furthermore, DFT simulations have been performed to identify the nature of functional groups involved in removing these rare earth elements. Assessments of the adsorbent regeneration and recycling capacities have also been determined, showing that β-CD nanosponges remain stable and effective for La and Ce adsorption over three desorption-adsorption cycles. Hence, this green, economic, and reusable biomaterial has great potential for recovering light rare earth elements from water. Finally, this study provides new insights for analyzing the adsorption mechanisms of Ce and La under various experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than sixty years after its discovery, the Wittig reaction still is a powerful tool to create carbon–carbon double bonds. The large diversity of high‐yielding and stereoselective reactions that can be achieved, even for highly functionalized molecules, is presented, demonstrating that the Wittig reaction is an efficient and attractive strategy in synthetic organic chemistry. The principles of the reaction will be briefly presented and discussed, but the focus will be on the most recent reports using this reaction in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. A comprehensive discussion on its application in the total synthesis of natural products and in the synthesis of natural analogues will be presented. Emphasis will be given to important organic molecules that present interesting biological activities. The purpose of this short review is to highlight the advances in this general area by presenting such newer applications in organic synthesis and eventually guide future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis is a natural adhesive resinous compound produced by honeybees to protect hives from bacteria and fungi, being extremely expensive for food industry. During propolis production, a resinous by-product is formed. This resinous waste is currently undervalued and underexploited. Accordingly, in this study the proximate physical and chemical quality, as well as the antioxidant activity, radical scavenging activity and cell viability of this by-product were evaluated and compared with propolis in order to boost new applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. The results revealed that the by-product meets the physical and chemical quality standards expected and showed that the propolis waste contains similar amounts of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) to propolis. Also, a good scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) determined by the assays of superoxide anion radical (O 2 − ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), nitric oxide ( NO) and peroxyl radical (ROO ) were determined. Linear positive correlations were established between the TPC of both samples and the antioxidant activity evaluated by three different methods (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays). The extracts were also screened for cell viability assays in two different intestinal cell lines (HT29-MTX and Caco-2), showing a viability concentration-dependent. Similarly, the Artemia salina assay, used to assess toxicity, demonstrated the concentration influence on results. Finally, the antifungal activity against ATCC species of Candida was demonstrated. These results suggest that propolis by-product can be used as a new rich source of bioactive compounds for different areas, such as food or pharmaceutical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation plays an important role in plant photomorphogenesis. Whilst the morpho-functional disorders induced by excessive UV irradiation are well-known, it remains unclear how this irradiation modulates the metabolome, and which metabolic shifts improve plants’ tolerance to UV-B. In this study, we use an important Mediterranean crop, Olea europaea , to decipher the impacts of enhanced UV-B radiation on the physiological performance and lipophilic metabolite profile. Young olive plants (cv . ‘ Galega Vulgar’) were exposed for five days to UV-B biologically effective doses of 6.5 kJ m −2  d −1 and 12.4 kJ m −2 d −1 . Cell cycle/ploidy, photosynthesis and oxidative stress, as well as GC–MS metabolites were assessed. Both UV-B treatments impaired net CO 2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, photosynthetic pigments, and RuBisCO activity, but 12.4 kJ m −2  d −1 also decreased the photochemical quenching (qP) and the effective efficiency of PSII (Φ PSII ). UV-B treatments promoted mono/triperpene pathways, while only 12.4 kJ m −2  d −1 increased fatty acids and alkanes, and decreased geranylgeranyl-diphosphate. The interplay between physiology and metabolomics suggests some innate ability of these plants to tolerate moderate UV-B doses (6.5 kJ m −2  d −1 ). Also their tolerance to higher doses (12.4 kJ m −2  d −1 ) relies on plants’ metabolic adjustments, where the accumulation of specific compounds such as long-chain alkanes, palmitic acid, oleic acid and particularly oleamide (which is described for the first time in olive leaves) play an important protective role. This is the first study demonstrating photosynthetic changes and lipophilic metabolite adjustments in olive leaves under moderate and high UV-B doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Constitutional epimutation of the two major mismatch repair genes, MLH1 and MSH2, has been identified as an alternative mechanism that predisposes to the development of Lynch syndrome. In the present work, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of MLH1 constitutional methylation in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with abnormal expression of the MLH1 protein in their tumors. In a series of 38 patients who met clinical criteria for Lynch syndrome genetic testing, with loss of MLH1 expression in the tumor and with no germline mutations in the MLH1 gene (35/38) or with tumors presenting the BRAF p.Val600Glu mutation (3/38), we screened for constitutional methylation of the MLH1 gene promoter using methylation‐specific multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MS‐MLPA) in various biological samples. We found four (4/38; 10.5%) patients with constitutional methylation in the MLH1 gene promoter. RNA studies demonstrated decreased MLH1 expression in the cases with constitutional methylation when compared with controls. We could infer the mosaic nature of MLH1 constitutional hypermethylation in tissues originated from different embryonic germ layers, and in one family we could show that it occurred de novo. We conclude that constitutional MLH1 methylation occurs in a significant proportion of patients who have loss of MLH1 protein expression in their tumors and no MLH1 pathogenic germline mutation. Furthermore, we provide evidence that MLH1 constitutional hypermethylation is the molecular mechanism behind about 3% of Lynch syndrome families diagnosed in our institution, especially in patients with early onset or multiple primary tumors without significant family history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a multistage process resulting in an uncontrolled and abrupt division of cells and is one of the leading causes of mortality. The cases reported and the predictions for the near future are unthinkable. Food and Drug Administration data showed that 40% of the approved molecules are natural compounds or inspired by them, from which, 74% are used in anticancer therapy. In fact, natural products are viewed as more biologically friendly, that is less toxic to normal cells. In this review, the most recent and successful cases of secondary metabolites, including alkaloid, diterpene, triterpene and polyphenolic type compounds, with great anticancer potential are discussed. Focusing on the ones that are in clinical trial development or already used in anticancer therapy, therefore successful cases such as paclitaxel and homoharringtonine (in clinical use), curcumin and ingenol mebutate (in clinical trials) will be addressed. Each compound's natural source, the most important steps in their discovery, their therapeutic targets, as well as the main structural modifications that can improve anticancer properties will be discussed in order to show the role of plants as a source of effective and safe anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portuguese honeys (n = 15) from different botanical and geographical origins were analysed regarding their quality parameters (diastase activity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, moisture and pH), colour (L*, a*, b*) and antioxidant profile (total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, DPPH&#8226 scavenging activity, and ferric reducing power). The samples were analysed fresh and after 4-years of storage (at 25 °C and protected from light). The hydroxymethylfurfural content and diastase activity of the fresh samples were in accordance with the recommended values described in the legislation. In general, the antioxidant activity of the samples correlated more with the bioactive compounds content than with colour. The storage affected differently each individual sample, especially regarding the antioxidant profile. Nevertheless, although in general the lightness of the samples decreased (and the redness increased), after 4 years, 11 samples still presented acceptable diastase activity and hydroxymethylfurfural values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chestnut shells extract induced in-vivo antioxidant effects in rats. • Metabolic profiling by LC-ESI-TQ-Orbitrap-MS was done for chestnut shell. • 52 phenolic compounds and metabolites were identified in blood serum. • Potential mild hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects were determined. • Histological analysis revealed no structural changes or toxicity signs. Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSS) are a source of bioactive compounds with well demonstrated in-vitro antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, no in-vivo studies have already evaluated this effect. This study evaluated the effects of the oral daily administration of an eco-friendly CSS extract (50 and 100 mg/kg per body weight (b.w.)) to rats regarding in-vivo antioxidant activity, glucose and lipids levels, and metabolomic profiling of polyphenols by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS. The results demonstrated the in-vivo antioxidant properties in the animals liver, kidney and blood serum, as well as protective effects against hemolysis and rising of blood glucose and lipids levels. New insights on metabolomic profiling of polyphenols proved their absorption and further biotransformation by phase I (hydrogenation and hydroxylation) and II reactions (glucuronidation, methylation and sulfation). This is the first study that attempted to validate a novel nutraceutical ingredient extracted from CSS by in-vivo assays, corroborating the outcomes screened by in-vitro assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan-based adsorbents (chitosan powder, chitosan film, and chitosan sponge) were prepared and employed for the adsorption of La(III) ions. The materials presented significant differences in their properties, reflected in different La(III) adsorption performances. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were studied. The chitosan materials showed very effective La(III) removal due to their unique characteristics, such abundance of functional groups on their surfaces. In addition, the chitosan sponge's high surface area contributed to La(III) adsorption. The equilibrium data followed the Liu isotherm model. Based on this model, the Q max values obtained were 85.31 and 93.50 mg g−1 (328 K) for powder and film chitosan, respectively. For chitosan sponges, the equilibrium model followed the Two-step Langmuir model attaining a maximum sorption capacity of 265.6 mg g−1 (298 K). The thermodynamics studies indicate that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption process suggests that electrostatic interactions and coordination/chelation were the main acting mechanisms of La(III) removal. Pore filling also played an important role in the adsorption process for the chitosan sponge. In brief, the CTS materials with different configurations presented a good potential to uptake the rare earth element La(III) from water. [Display omitted] • Lanthanum uptake from water using chitosan with different configurations; • Chitosan powder, film, and sponge were used for La(III) adsorption; • Powder and film presented similar profiles with capacities around 90 mg g−1; • Sponge presented different features, and the adsorption capacity was 265 mg g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arylxanthones and arylacridones although not yet found in nature are becoming an important group of heterocyclic compounds due to their promising biological activities. Their central cores, xanthone and acridone, are recognized as interesting motifs for drug development mainly to be used in antitumour chemotherapy. The synthesis of this type of compounds is still scarce but several successful examples were recently published and a large variety of arylated xanthone and acridone derivatives were prepared. A systematic survey of the literature dedicated to their synthesis will be presented and discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of ( E )-2-aryl-1-methyl-3-styrylquinolin-4(1 H )-ones, through the Heck reaction of 2-aryl-3-iodo-1-methyl-quinolin-4(1 H )-ones with styrene is described. 2-Aryl-3-iodo-1-methyl-2-quinolin-4(1 H )-ones can be obtained efficiently in a two-step transformation, methylation followed by in situ cyclization of N -(2-acetylphenyl)benzamides into 2-aryl-1-methylquinolin-4(1 H )-ones, which underwent selective 3-iodination with iodine and a catalytic amount of Can. Cyclisation studies of ( E )-2-aryl-1-methyl-3-styrylquinolin-4(1 H )-ones under high temperature or photoinduced electrocyclisation lead to 4-aryl-2-phenylfuro[3,2- c ]quinolines and 12-methyl-5-phenylbenzo[ c ]acridin-7(12 H )-ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed two different plant parts (leaves and tubers) of Arum italicum species growing in Northeast Algeria for their phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects. The phytochemical content was determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DADESI/MS). The results revealed that the tuber extract was rich in lignans with a fraxiresinol glycoside as the major compound. In contrast, the leaf extract was rich in flavonoid glycosides, described for the first time in the aerial part of this species. The extract’s inhibitory activity against key enzymes was linked to hyperglycemia, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase, and their ability to inhibit the growth of human gastric carcinoma (AGS) and lung carcinoma (A549) cancer cell lines was also assessed. A cell line morphology study was also conducted with the most effective extract. The chromatin status of the cells was evaluated using DAPI, while the cytoplasmic morphology was evaluated using phalloidin. The tuber extract generally inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes more efficiently than the leaf extract. Its inhibition effect against the α-glucosidase was significantly higher when compared to the standard acarbose. The tuber extract also caused more viability loss of AGS and A549 cancer cells than the leaf extract in the cytotoxicity assay. In conclusion, our findings show that, compared to the leaf extract, the tuber extract exhibited more pronounced biological effects. The strong inhibitory potential of the tuber extract against the α-glucosidase enzyme should also be highlighted, which suggests it is a good candidate for discovering new antidiabetic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Anthocyanins were extracted from red cabbage. • Anthocyanins were adsorbed from the leach liquor using chitosan films. • PVSDM model was implemented to elucidate the mass transfer. • The surface diffusion coefficient ranged from 3.7 × 10−10 to 1.2 × 10−9 cm2 s−1. • Mechanisms inside the particle controlled the anthocyanin's adsorption. The use of smart packaging is a global trend, and several works are being reported in this sense. Special attention is given to biodegradable materials like chitosan and natural pigments like anthocyanins. For example, previous studies report that it is possible to produce smart packaging by extracting anthocyanins from red cabbage and adsorbing it into chitosan films. This work elucidates for the first time the mass transfer aspects in the anthocyanins adsorption on chitosan films (CFS). Anthocyanins were extracted from red cabbage and subsequently adsorbed from the leach liquor using chitosan films. The Freundlich model well represented the adsorption isotherms of anthocyanins on CFS. In addition, the PVSDM (pore volume and surface diffusion model) model was implemented to represent the adsorption data and to elucidate the mass transfer. This model was suitable to represent the adsorption data, with a coefficient of determination (R2) higher than 0.95 and an average relative error (ARE) lower than 2.00%. The surface diffusion coefficient values (D S) ranged from 3.70 × 10−10 cm2 s−1 to 1.16 × 10−9 cm2 s−1. The external mass transfer coefficient (k F) was in the range of 10−2 cm s−1. Finally, the Biot number (Bi) revealed that mechanisms inside the particle controlled the anthocyanin's adsorption onto CFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and rapid access to bridgehead oxygen- and nitrogen-containing spiro bisheterocycles is reported. It involves a one-pot spiro-to-spiro ring transformation of the key spiro[chromanone-hydantoin] compounds into new substituted spiro [hydantoin-diazole], spiro [hydantoin-isoxazole], spiro [hydantoin-diazepine], spiro [hydantoinoxazepine], and spiro [hydantoin-benzodiazepine] upon reaction with appropriate bisnucleophilic agents. The hydantoin cycle is preserved during these chemical reactions affording the spiro bisheterocycles in optimal yields (42-71%). This relevant spiro-to-spiro ring transformation was confirmed by NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, leishmaniasis constitutes a public health issue in more than 88 countries, affecting mainly people from the tropics, subtropics, and the Mediterranean area. Every year, the prevalence of this infectious disease increases, with the appearance of 1.5–2 million new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis and 500,000 cases of visceral leishmaniasis, endangering approximately 350 million people worldwide. Therefore, the absence of a vaccine or effective treatment makes the discovery and development of new antileishmanial therapies one of the focuses for the scientific community that, in association with WHO, hopes to eradicate this disease shortly. This paper is intended to highlight the relevance of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing tricyclic heterocycles, particularly acridine and xanthene derivatives, for the development of treatments against leishmaniasis. Thus, in this review, a thorough compilation of the most promising antileishmanial acridine and xanthene derivatives is performed from both natural and synthetic origins. Additionally, some structure–activity relationship studies are also depicted and discussed to provide insight into the optimal structural features responsible for these compounds' antileishmanial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies towards the synthesis of the natural product platachromone B and related compounds have been investigated starting from commercially available phloroacetophenone. Direct C-prenylation of (E)-2-styryl-4H-chromen-4-ones was also studied. Methods for the synthesis of new (E)-5,7-dimethoxy-8-(3-methylbut- 2-en-1-yl)-2-styryl-4H-chromen-4-ones and (E)-5-hydroxy-7- methoxy-6-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)-2-styryl-4H-chromen-4-ones have also been established and are described for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten 3-methylflavone derivatives were studied. Previously reported NMR data of some derivatives were corrected and/or completed, including the complete assignment of the two known natural derivatives. The complete 1H and 13C NMR assignments were achieved by combination of one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR experiments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient one-pot synthesis of 3-methylfiavone derivatives is established. Furthermore, their transformation into phosphorus ylides, which are then used in the diastereoselective synthesis of (E)-styrylflavones through Wittig reactions, is also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Development of an HPLC method for analysis of oleocanthalic acid content in EVOO. • Preparative isolation and purification of oleocanthalic acid from EVOO. • Development of a procedure to accelerate the oxidation of oleocanthal to oleocanthalic acid. • Radical scavenging activity of oleocanthalic acid. Oleocanthal is a nutraceutical compound present in extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), endowed with several health properties, such as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anticancer effects. During the EVOO storage, oleocanthal can undergo oxidative processes that lead to the formation of oleocanthalic acid. The aim of this work was to develop a reproducible and efficient method for isolation and purification of oleocanthalic acid with the purpose to obtain enough amount of this compound for further pharmacological investigations. We heated an EVOO rich in oleocanthal at 80 °C for 14 days to favour the oxidation of oleocanthal. Subsequently, the oleocanthalic acid was extracted from this EVOO and purified through a combination of direct phase and reverse phase chromatography. The pure oleocanthalic acid was used to develop a HPLC method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of oleocanthalic acid content in EVOO. A preliminary assessment of the radical scavenging potential against oxygen species (superoxide anion radical (O 2 −), hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and peroxyl radical (ROO)) was also screened. The results showed the quenching efficiency of oleocanthalic acid for HOCl followed by O 2 −. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While large-scale clinical trials are required to evaluate the efficacy of dupilumab in pediatric prurigo nodularis, our case demonstrates that its role is promising and might be an important tool in prurigo nodularis when standard therapy failed. The optimal duration of treatment is still unknown because, as seen in other conditions treated with dupilumab,[6] some patients may experience disease recurrence after treatment suspension. Prurigo nodularis, first described by Hyde in 1909, is a rare (estimated incidence of 72 per 100,000 people) chronic skin disorder characterized by multiple firms, symmetrically distributed, excoriated, erythematous-to-brown nodules with intense pruritus. [Extracted from the article]

In the present study, two extracts from the aerial parts of the endemic species Satureja hispidula were analyzed for the first time by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) method in order to identify and quantify their phenolic compounds. These extracts' antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were also evaluated. UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS allowed the identification of 28 and 20 compounds in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively; among them, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was the most abundant in both extracts. The biological assay results indicate that the species S. hispidula, besides its high antioxidant power, is also potentially useful for inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme. In both antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, the aqueous extract exhibited the most promising results, significantly better than the standards used as positive controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral mucositis (OM), a common side effect of oncological treatment, is an oral mucosal disorder characterized by painful ulcerations and increased risk of infection. The use of natural antioxidants to suppress the redox imbalance responsible for the OM condition has emerged as an interesting approach to prevent/treat OM. This study aims to explore the chestnut (Castana sativa) shells as potential active ingredient against OM. Therefore, chestnut shells were extracted at different temperatures (110–180 °C) by Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE), aiming to recover antioxidants. The extracts were also evaluated against microorganisms present in the oral cavity as well as on human oral cell lines (TR146 and HSC3). The highest phenolic content was obtained with the extraction temperature of 110 °C, exhibiting the best antioxidant/antiradical activities and scavenging efficiencies against HOCl (IC50 = 4.47 μg/mL) and ROO• (0.73 μmol TE/mg DW). High concentrations of phenolic acids (e.g., gallic and protocatechuic acids) and flavanoids (catechin, epicatechin and rutin) characterized the phenolic profile. The antimicrobial activity against several oral microorganisms present in the oral cavity during OM, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia, was demonstrated. Finally, the effects on HSC3 and TR146 cell lines revealed that the extract prepared at 110 °C had the lowest IC50 (1325.03 and 468.15 µg/mL, respectively). This study highlights the potential effects of chestnut shells on OM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of alcohol-based handrubs (ABH) in reducing acute diarrheal diseases (ADD) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) among children 1-5 years of age in childcare centers with limited tap water. Methods. This was the first cluster-randomized controlled trial in a developing country. The study took place at 42 childcare centers with sporadic and limited water availability in six towns in Colombia. Participants were randomly assigned to use ABH as a complement to handwashing (intervention arm: 21 centers/794 children); or to continue existing handwashing practices (control arm: 21 centers/933 children). ADD and ARI cases were identified through teacher-reported signs and symptoms of illness. Adverse events were monitored. Hazard ratios (HR) were obtained using Cox proportional hazards multivariate regression shared frailty models. Results. Child-days of surveillance totaled 336 038. Loss to follow up was 14.5%. For both ADD and ARI, there were no differences in hazard ratios during the first trimester of the study. In the second and third trimesters, significant reductions in the risk of ADD were found in the intervention compared to control arm (HR = 0.55, P < 0.001 and HR = 0.44, P < 0.001, respectively). There were also significant risk reductions for ARI in the second trimester (HR = 0.80, P < 0.05) and in the third trimester (HR = 0.69, P < 0.001). No adverse events occurred. Conclusions. ABH effectively prevent ADD and ARI, and are safe. Colombia's national public health policies for prevention of these diseases should include use of ABH, especially in settings where handwashing with soap and water is limited by water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new synthetic route to 5-arylbenzo[c]xanthones is established. This was accomplished by use the Heck reaction of 3-bromoflavones with styrene derivatives, leading to (E)-3-styrylflavones with total diastereoselectivity. This transformation was greatly improved under microwave irradiation. The one-pot, photoinduced electrocyclisation of (E)-3-styrylflavones and further in situ oxidation of the cycloadduct leads to 5-arylbenzo[c]xanthones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study links Horney’s account of human growth and neurosis to authenticity by examining aggressive responses on the point subtraction aggressive paradigm, providing the first empirical test of whether authenticity can predict objective behavior. Data from undergraduate, postgraduate, and mature students demonstrate that when controlling for age, gender, trait-anger, agreeableness, and functional dimensions of coping, individuals who measure high on authentic-living respond less aggressively to attacks and counter-attacks in unfair situations. Authentic-living uniquely accounted for 14.2% of variance in aggressive-responses (r =−.37). The findings suggest that inauthenticity is a strong predictor of aggressive behavior, and therefore increasing levels of authenticity in counseling practice may reduce maladaptive levels of anger. We suggest future exploration between authenticity and models of emotional regulation will unearth the cause and effects of aggression within inauthentic individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Novel (E)-3-aryl-4-benzylidene-8-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro- 1H-xanthene-1,9(2H)-diones are prepared by the cyclization of (E,E)-3-cinnamoyl-5-hydroxy-2-styrylchromones efficiently catalyzed with boron tribromide. The (E,E)-3-cinnamoyl-5-hydroxy-2- styrylchromones are obtained from the Baker-Venkataraman rearrangement of (E,E)-2-acetyl-1,3-phenylene bis(3-phenylacrylate), which is greatly improved under microwave irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We consider to what extent authenticity is related but distinct from behavioural inhibition/approach systems and Cloninger’s psychobiological model (). Five-hundred and fifty-four adults (250 males, 304 females) completed measures of authenticity (), behavioural inhibition/activation (BIS/BAS, ) and Cloninger’s temperament and character inventory (TCI-IPIP, ). Significant, small to moderate correlations are reported between authenticity and inhibitory and approach dimensions of Gray’s and Cloninger’s models. The directions of these relationships are consistent with descriptions of authenticity. However, dimensions of both Gray’s and Cloninger’s domains account for only a small 5.7–18% of the shared variance in authenticity, suggesting that authenticity is related but distinct from Gray’s and Cloninger’s personality dimensions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Microwave irradiation has become a popular heating technique in organic synthesis, mainly due to its short reaction times, solventless reactions, and, sometimes, higher yields. Additionally, microwave irradiation lowers energy consumption and, consequently, is ideal for optimization processes. Moreover, there is evidence that microwave irradiation can improve the regioselectivity and stereoselectivity aspects of vital importance in synthesizing bioactive compounds. These crucial features of microwave irradiation contribute to its inclusion in green chemistry procedures. Since 2003, the use of microwave-assisted organic synthesis has become common in our laboratory, making our group one of the first Portuguese research groups to implement this heating source in organic synthesis. Our achievements in the transformation of heterocyclic compounds, such as (E/Z)-3-styryl-4H-chromen-4-ones, (E)-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-styryl-1H-pyrazole, (E)-2-(4-arylbut-1-en-3-yn-1-yl)-4H-chromen-4-ones, or (E)-2-[2-(5-aryl-2-methyl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)vinyl]-4H-chromen-4-ones, will be discussed in this review, highlighting the benefits of microwave irradiation use in organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, more attention has been paid to natural sources of antioxidants. Flavonoids are natural substances synthesized in several parts of plants that exhibit a high antioxidant capacity. They are a large family, presenting several classes based on their basic structure. Flavonoids have the ability to control the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via scavenger ROS when they are formed. Therefore, these antioxidant compounds have an important role in plant stress tolerance and a high relevance in human health, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In addition, flavonoids have several applications in the food industry as preservatives, pigments, and antioxidants, as well as in other industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. However, flavonoids application for industrial purposes implies extraction processes with high purity and quality. Several methodologies have been developed aimed at increasing flavonoid extraction yield and being environmentally friendly. This review presents the most abundant natural flavonoids, their structure and chemical characteristics, extraction methods, and biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave irradiation selectively induces the Baker-Venkataraman rearrangement of 2′,6′-diaroyloxyacetophenones to give 3-aroyl-5-hydroxyflavones, in a very short reaction time. �Under classical heating conditions these reactions afforded 5-hydroxyflavones as byproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]